MURFREESBORO, N.C. | The No. 7 seed Young Harris College Mountain Lions Women's Basketball team held off a late push from No. 12 seed Mount Olive to secure a gritty 50-48 victory in the opening round of the Conference Carolinas Championship. With the win, the Mountain Lions improve to 22-7 overall and advance to the second round.

Young Harris set the tone defensively, holding Mount Olive to just 14.3 percent shooting in the first quarter and building an early cushion. After trading blows in the middle quarters, the Mountain Lions delivered key stops in the final minutes to protect the two-point lead and punch their ticket to the next round.

Player of the Game is awarded to Chassidy Fedd. Fedd delivered in every phase, finishing with 10 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three steals in 35 minutes. Her defensive pressure and poise helped Young Harris control key stretches of the game, and she was instrumental in closing it out late.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:

• Kamryn Bates led the Mountain Lions with 11 points, knocking down two three-pointers.

• Chassidy Fedd totaled 10 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three steals in a complete performance.

• Natalie Jojola added nine points and five rebounds.

• Rhiannon Saller provided a strong lift with eight points and four rebounds.

• Annalise Malone grabbed seven rebounds, while Lilly Griffith pulled down a team-high eight boards.

• Young Harris outrebounded Mount Olive 37-30 and scored 13 second-chance points.

UP NEXT:

The Mountain Lions turn right around and face No. 6 seed Chowan tomorrow night in the second round of the Conference Carolinas Championship.